Career Fair DOs and DONTs

A job or career fair provides an opportunity for employers and candidates to gather in a central place, network with one another and explore mutual opportunities. It offers employers the opportunity to: 1) increase awareness of the organization, 2) make personal contact with a large applicant pool, 3) screen candidates quickly, and 4) select a few for follow-up interviews. For the job seeker, it gives a chance to make direct in-person contact with multiple organizations. Candidates also don’t need to write cover letters. Career fairs are not the #1 job search technique, networking is. However, participating in a career fair makes sense as part of an overall job search strategy. Here are some tips to take advantage of this job hunt method:

DOs

Know what to expect to avoid being overwhelmed, confused or intimidated.

Clarify your goals and determine what you want to get out of this experience.

Find out which employers are going to be there in advance; learn the names of the representatives.

Review the types of positions being offered if possible.

Prioritize your list of employers by your level of interest.

Research the company including its employment needs, mission, competitors, earnings, trends, products and services.

Visit the company’s website, Facebook and LinkedIn pages to get more details.

Talk to anyone that you know that works there or knows someone who works there to get some tips on what to expect.

Contact employers of special interest in advance of the fair; mention that you look forward to meeting them in-person.

Revise your resume and have it professionally critiqued; People don’t have time to read two pages at a job fair – make it one!

Prepare a 30-second sales pitch summarizing who you are and what you have to offer; think about your audience in advance.

Dress so that your first impression will be a positive note.

Arrive early and register; this may also help to avoid long lines.

Carry a small portfolio for your large supply of resumes, list of references, note pad, etc.

Prepare a list of questions to ask employers; focus on ones that generate answers that will help you make a better career decision.

Introduce yourself with a confident handshake, big smile and demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest early on.

Maintain good eye contact and be conscious of the non-verbal messages you send.

Be courteous and friendly.

Speak clearly and concisely in a professional, but relaxed manner.

Step back and really listen to what the representative is saying.

Engage the representative in a conversation; build rapport.

Demonstrate your knowledge of the field, their organization, your willingness to learn and most importantly, your sincerity.

Convince the employer that your qualifications are worthy enough for another interview.

Network with employers even if they may not have what you are looking for; they might know of someone that can help you.

Ask for a business card; write a couple of notes about your conversation.

Learn what’s the next step and what, if anything, you need to do to advance your candidacy.

End on a positive note, thank them and then give a firm handshake while you maintain eye contact.

Take advantage of the other services of the job fair which might include, resume critiques, workshops, resume scanning, etc.

Stay late.

Analyze your performance and review the information and connections you obtained.

Prioritize you list of leads.

DONTs

Go with unrealistic expectations.

Bring anyone with you who isn’t looking for a job.

Wear jeans, t-shirts, hats, sneakers, perfume or cologne.

Interrupt an employer if he or she is surrounded by other candidates.

Bombard the representative with too many questions.

Vent about previous employers, supervisors or co-workers.

Be unclear about you career goals.

Ask questions that can easily be found on the organization’s website.

Talk about salary and benefits; only approach this subject when you are given an offer.

Get distracted by all the other things going on at the fair; stay focused.

Take up too much of the representative’s time considering the length of the line; make it both brief and meaningful.

Forget to follow-up with phone calls and/or thank you notes.

Tom’s Tip: “The other side of every fear is freedom.” – Marilyn Ferguson